House of Fraser, a renowned department store with a rich history, has encountered difficulties in the ever-evolving retail landscape. Despite successfully preserving some iconic stores such as London’s Oxford Street and Frasers in Glasgow, its Manchester flagship store, affectionately known as Kendals, is unfortunately facing closure in the New Year.
Kendals holds a special place in the hearts of locals in Manchester, having been a fixture in the area for nearly 200 years, with its current location established in 1836. However, due to unsuccessful negotiations between House of Fraser owner Sports Direct and the landlord, the store is scheduled to cease operations by January 28, resulting in the displacement of several hundred employees.
While Sports Direct initially expressed its intention to keep as many stores open as possible, only 22 out of the 59 locations have been saved from closure. The decision to close the Kendals store was made after the Manchester landlord turned down multiple proposals from House of Fraser. The 36,000 sq m building is owned by a private investor who acquired it for £84.5 million in 2016.
Recognized for its exquisite Art Deco design, the historic Kendals building is regarded as a significant architectural gem in the city by the leader of Manchester City Council. He has vowed to assist the affected employees and is working towards finding a solution to reverse the closure decision.
Initially rebranded as Harrods after being acquired by the luxury retailer in the early 1900s, the store eventually reverted to its original name, Kendals, following objections from loyal customers. Despite being known as House of Fraser in recent years, the Kendals name still graces the main entrance, with locals continuing to affectionately refer to it by its historical name, Kendal Milne.
For more information on the closure of Kendals and the challenges faced by House of Fraser, please visit BBC News and The Guardian.
